Comparison of Proximate Composition of Some Cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivated in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The proximate composition of some cultivars of chickpea grown in Department of Crop Science and Technology, Postgraduate Teaching and Research farm Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO was investigated and compared. Two chickpea types namely Kabuli (ICCK 7323 and ICCK 9895) and Desi (cultivars ICCD 867, ICCD 12866, ICCD 8522, and ICCD 9586) were used in the work. The chickpea seeds were respectively crushed into meal and analyzed for Moisture, Protein, Fat, Fibre, Ash, Carbohydrate and Energy value using standard methods. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using the Duncan New Multiple Test at (p<0.05). The proximate composition of all the chickpea cultivars were significantly (p<0.05) different from each other. The ranges were protein (12.72% to 19.46%); Ash ((3.05% to 10.85%), Energy value (345.6kcal/g to 450.67kcal/g) and Carbohydrate (8.81% to 39.80%). Cultivar ICCK7323 (Kabuli-type) had the highest protein content (19.46%), and cultivar ICCD867 (Desi-type) had the highest crude fibre (11.18%) and ash (10.85%) content respectively. Similarly, cultivar ICCK9895 (Kabuli-type) had the highest carbohydrate content (39.80%) while cultivar ICCD12866 (Desi-type) had the highest energy value (450.67kcal/g). Results show that chickpea cultivars (Kabuli-type) had higher values in protein, crude fibre, and carbohydrate, while cultivars (Desi-type) had higher values in fat, ash and energy. Keywords: Chickpea, cultivars, proximate composition, sensory compariso

Euglena International Network (EIN):Driving euglenoid biotechnology for the benefit of a challenged world

Euglenoids (Euglenida) are unicellular flagellates possessing exceptionally wide geographical and ecological distribution. Euglenoids combine a biotechnological potential with a unique position in the eukaryotic tree of life. In large part these microbes owe this success to diverse genetics including secondary endosymbiosis and likely additional sources of genes. Multiple euglenoid species have translational applications and show great promise in production of biofuels, nutraceuticals, bioremediation, cancer treatments and more exotically as robotics design simulators. An absence of reference genomes currently limits these applications, including development of efficient tools for identification of critical factors in regulation, growth or optimization of metabolic pathways. The Euglena International Network (EIN) seeks to provide a forum to overcome these challenges. EIN has agreed specific goals, mobilized scientists, established a clear roadmap (Grand Challenges), connected academic and industry stakeholders and is currently formulating policy and partnership principles to propel these efforts in a coordinated and efficient manner

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

Carbapenem resistance expressed by Gram-negative bacilli isolated from a cohort of Libyan patients

Background and objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and other Gram-negative bacteria are among the most common pathogens responsible for both community and hospital acquired infection. The global spread of cephalosporinases in Enterobacteriaceae has led to the increased use of carbapenems resulting in the emergence and rapid spread of CRE. This has become an alarming public health concern, yet the condition in Libya remains unclear. The aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of CRE strains prevalent in Libyan patients by investigating their phenotypic characteristics and antibiograms. Methods: Gram-negative bacterial species were collected from Misrata Central Hospital, Misrata Cancer Centre and Privet Pathology Laboratories. Clinical samples and swabs were obtained from hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients and from mechanical ventilation and suction machines. Patients who had received antibiotic therapy for at least three days prior to the study were excluded. The identification and characterization of the isolated species were achieved using the growth characteristics on MacConkey and blood agar, spot tests and API 20E or API 20NE biochemical testing systems. Screening for carbapenem resistance was performed using the disk diffusion method with carbapenem 10 μg and cephalosporin 30 μg disks and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) determined using the Sensititre Gram-negative Xtra plate format (GNX2F). All strains demonstrating resistance or reduced susceptibility to one of the four carbapenems were subjected to carbapenememase activity detection using the RAPIDEC CARBA NP test, Modified Hodge test and carbapenem inactivation methods. Results: A total of one hundred and forty isolates representing fourteen bacterial species were isolated from 140 non-duplicated specimens. Clinical specimens included urine samples (96/140, 68.57%), sputum (15/140, 10.71%), surgical wound swabs (18/140, 12.85%), foot swabs from diabetes mellitus (DM) patients (6/140, 4.29%), ear swabs (3/140, 2.14%) and wound swabs (2/140, 1.43%). Thirty-four (24.29%) isolates demonstrated resistance to at least one of the four carbapenems with Klebsiella pneumoniae representing 73.53% (25 isolates) of all carbapenem resistant species, followed by 8.82% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3 isolates), 5.88% for both Proteus mirabilis (2 isolates) and Escherichia coli (2 isolates) and 2.94% for both Citrobacter koseri (1 isolate) and Rahnella aquatilis (1 isolate). The other isolates were either susceptible or cephalosporinase producers. Conclusion: This study has revealed the high rate of carbapenem resistance amongst Libyan patients and emphasizes the crucial need for accurate screening, identification and susceptibility testing to prevent further spread of nosocomial and community acquired resistance. This may be achieved through the establishment of antibiotic stewardship programmes along with firm infection control practices.National Research Foundation of South Africa; Libyan GovernmentWeb of Scienc

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED CROP FARMS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This paper focused on use of socio-demographic factors as determinants of poverty using tobit analysis in crude oil polluted crop farms in Rivers State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling was used to obtain data from 17 local government areas. A total of 296 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results showed that dependency ratio, household size, mean adult equivalent expenditure, ratio of food expenditure to total expenditure were factors that significantly decreased incidence of poverty, while marital type, age and occupation marginally increased poverty. Increase in mean adult equivalent expenditure reduced probability of poverty by 8.66% and 6.70%; intensity of poverty by 4.31% and 4.56% in crude oil polluted and non-polluted farm-households respectively. Decrease in ratio of food expenditure to total expenditure reduced probability of poverty by 5.02% and 0.85%; intensity of poverty by 2.50% and 0.58% in crude oil polluted and non-polluted farm-households. Poverty was higher in crude oil polluted farm-households

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AS DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN CRUDE OIL POLLUTED CROP FARMS IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This paper focused on use of socio-demographic factors as determinants of poverty using tobit analysis in crude oil polluted crop farms in Rivers State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling was used to obtain data from 17 local government areas. A total of 296 questionnaires were used for analysis. The results showed that dependency ratio, household size, mean adult equivalent expenditure, ratio of food expenditure to total expenditure were factors that significantly decreased incidence of poverty, while marital type, age and occupation marginally increased poverty. Increase in mean adult equivalent expenditure reduced probability of poverty by 8.66% and 6.70%; intensity of poverty by 4.31% and 4.56% in crude oil polluted and non-polluted farm-households respectively. Decrease in ratio of food expenditure to total expenditure reduced probability of poverty by 5.02% and 0.85%; intensity of poverty by 2.50% and 0.58% in crude oil polluted and non-polluted farm-households. Poverty was higher in crude oil polluted farm-households

Ways to Identify Students ' Interests Using Game Technologies in Primary Education

The main purpose of this study was assessment of insecurity in secondary schools in Kaduna State. A population of 8,975 was used comparison of 169 principals, 338 vice principals, 5,070 teachers and 3,380 students. Purposive sampling method in line with research advisor (2006) was used to determine the sample side for the study, where we have the sample of 7 principals, 14 vice principals, 206 teachers and 138 students, making a total sample of 365 was used for this study. A self-design questionnaire entitled “Assessment of Insecurity Questionnaire” (AIQ) was used to assess the Prevalence and Causes of Insecurity. Two research questions were used and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages to fine out the Prevalence, and Causes of insecurity. The major finding of the study revealed the prevalence of insecurity as arm robbery, stealing, trespassing, Rap, sexual harassment, abduction and kidnapping, bombing and school shooting, cultism and fire outbreak, and the Causes of insecurity in secondary schools as unemployment, inflation, porous border, tribalism, government failure, religion extremist among orders. which affects the learning of students in schools. In conclusion, lack of adequate security personnel and nonchalant attitude of school administrators on security issues affecting the academic activities. It was recommended among others that Government should provide security materials/facilities in the schools to ease security problems. The researcher suggested that similar aspects of this research should be extended to other states and Nigeria

Ways to Identify Students ' Interests Using Game Technologies in Primary Education

The main purpose of this study was assessment of insecurity in secondary schools in Kaduna State. A population of 8,975 was used comparison of 169 principals, 338 vice principals, 5,070 teachers and 3,380 students. Purposive sampling method in line with research advisor (2006) was used to determine the sample side for the study, where we have the sample of 7 principals, 14 vice principals, 206 teachers and 138 students, making a total sample of 365 was used for this study. A self-design questionnaire entitled “Assessment of Insecurity Questionnaire” (AIQ) was used to assess the Prevalence and Causes of Insecurity. Two research questions were used and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages to fine out the Prevalence, and Causes of insecurity. The major finding of the study revealed the prevalence of insecurity as arm robbery, stealing, trespassing, Rap, sexual harassment, abduction and kidnapping, bombing and school shooting, cultism and fire outbreak, and the Causes of insecurity in secondary schools as unemployment, inflation, porous border, tribalism, government failure, religion extremist among orders. which affects the learning of students in schools. In conclusion, lack of adequate security personnel and nonchalant attitude of school administrators on security issues affecting the academic activities. It was recommended among others that Government should provide security materials/facilities in the schools to ease security problems. The researcher suggested that similar aspects of this research should be extended to other states and Nigeria

Educational Planning in Nigeria: Problems, Prospects and Possible Solutions

Educational planning is vital to the realization education objectives. Educational planning is crucial in the implementation of educational programme and projects. Educational planning in Nigeria is plagued with many challenges. This paper examined the problems and prospects of educational planning in Nigeria and suggested possible solutions to address the problems facing educational planning in Nigeria

Impact of Supervision on Teachers’ Job Performance in Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Supervision is very critical to the realization of education objectives and goals. Supervision is one of the quality assurance tool use to ensure standard and quality service delivery in schools. This study investigates the pivotal role of supervision in achieving educational objectives in secondary schools. Utilizing secondary data from print and online sources, the research establishes a positive correlation between school supervision and teachers' job performance. The data were sourced from print and online publications. The result obtained from the review literatures established that there is a positive relationship between school supervision and teachers job performance in secondary schools. Based on tis discovered, the study recommended that: Government should provide principals wit opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and seminars on supervision strategies, styles and skills. This will help the principals to improve in the supervision of teachers... Principals should also carry out classroom visitation and provide professional guidance and assistance to teachers in the schools. These measures aim to enhance the quality of education by ensuring effective supervision practices, ultimately contributing to improved teacher performance. The findings emphasize the importance of strategic investments in professional development for school leaders to foster a conducive environment for educational success in secondary schools